We are thrilled to launch our 2024-2025 Impact Report, a vibrant testament to the powerful energy and shared commitment of our community. This past year was defined by Diversity, Empathy, and Impact, showcasing the stories of growth, responsibility, and leadership that are fueling our global movement for peace and sustainability. Dive into these pages to explore how we are learning from nature and from each other for a lifetime.
The Year in Review: 2024-2025
The academic year was marked by significant milestones, demonstrating our commitment to education, sustainability, and community action:
- A Diverse Cohort: We welcomed 205 students representing 64 nationalities to the campus.
- Global Mission in Action: The community celebrated UWC Day under the theme “Together We Change”.
- Community Engagement: Students and staff participated in a Community Action Week with 12 projects across all seven provinces of Costa Rica.
- Sustainability Leadership: We began a key collaboration with the Green Schools National Network, and our students trained local peers from Liceo de Palmares in the Agents of Change methodology.
- Alums & Career Connections: We launched AlumNights to strengthen our global network, and hosted a university fair organized by Google School for Leaders and 18 Davis partners.
- Leading with Empathy: The annual “Bald for a Cause” event was held on campus to support the Metamorfosis Association.
Community Snapshot
Our community remains the heart of UWC Costa Rica, a living laboratory for the UWC values. Our commitment to radical diversity is evident in the 64 nationalities on campus, fostering dialogue and mutual understanding. Beyond the classroom, the community actively engages with local challenges through initiatives like the widespread Community Action Week and the powerful demonstration of empathy during “Bald for a Cause”. We are not just educating future leaders; we are actively cultivating a network of compassion and passion.
Voices of UWC Costa Rica: Impact Through Story
The report is filled with compelling narratives that highlight the personal growth and global impact of our community members.
Stories of Courage, Commitment, and Connection
- The Struggle for Afghan Women’s Rights: This powerful extended essay by a student explored the rights of Afghan women through the complex lenses of cultural relativism and liberalism. The research provided multiple perspectives, including examining the Taliban’s claim to legitimacy based on Sharia and analyzing the limited capacity of international actors like the UN and EU to intervene effectively.
- Alexis, Sondre, and Elena: A Love Story Born in Costa Rica: This heartwarming tale follows Alexis and Sondre, who met at UWC Costa Rica and whose romance began with a short, playful “one-month pact” right before graduation. Despite five years of physical distance, the essential UWC connection endured, leading them back together to marry and start a family with their daughter, Elena.
- Leading by Example: “Bald for a Cause” and Taking a Leap of Faith: This story focuses on the annual “Bald for a Cause” initiative, a true act of community leadership where nearly 60 students and staff shaved their heads and donated their hair to provide tangible support for individuals with cancer, partnering with the Metamorfosis Association.
A Tapestry of Experiences
Other inspiring stories from our community highlight the depth of the UWC experience, including:
- “Beyond the equations” and “¿Qué fue primero, el huevo o la gallina?” explore intellectual curiosity and interdisciplinary learning.
- “From Surkhet to Santa Ana: A journey of Global Confidence” details a student’s transformative journey.
- “Expanding our Mission” and “Multiplying Impact” showcase how our values leave the campus and drive external change.
- Profiles of extraordinary individuals like “The smile and kindness of Mery, the beloved TÃa of UWC” and the changemaker in “The bus stop question that launched a global change-maker”.
Final Remarks and Gratitude
The year 2024-2025 was a reminder that global, regional, and local crises continue to influence every interaction, underscoring the crucial need for adaptable and compassionate leaders.
At UWC Costa Rica, education plays a vital role in developing citizens who understand the complex relationships between nature, climate, well-being, and equity. By investing in this mission, our entire community is expanding a network of compassion and passion, empowering people to forge their own futures and the futures of their communities.
To all the students, staff, families, and donors who make this vision possible:
A la comunidad que empodera a los futuros lÃderes: